They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and actions
It is designed with the new breed of super lines (braid) in mind, and I suspect it is an attempt by ABU to return to their halcyon days, in which they were renowned for such quality names as Ambassador and Cardinal
But you're losing that shock absorbing function of the rod
Heavier action rod needs more strain to twist, while light action rod bends less
This sort of fisherman feels that the fish is focused just around your fishing line, or maybe he thinks that he can transmit some of his bad luck to you, and frequently, this occurs because it will result in a nasty line entanglement with his line and yours
one should be wool if possible